Autoliv Readies Front Row Divider Airbag

Autoliv Inc. has developed a new airbag that deploys between the driver and front-seat passenger to prevent them from colliding with each other and other objects during a side-impact crash.

The system will be launched next year in 19 unspecified vehicle models. ZF Friedrichshafen AG has a similar technology.

Autoliv says such devices can reduce injuries caused by passengers colliding with each other by 80%. Next year the European New Car Assessment Program will start measuring how effectively vehicles protect occupants sitting on the opposite side of an impact point.